Climate change alters the radial growth responses of P. schrenkiana and J. jarkendensis to climate extremes in the Eastern Pamirs

Abstract

As global temperatures rise, extreme climate events are becoming more intense, frequent, and prolonged, profoundly altering forest ecosystems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study employs dendrochronological methods to examine the relationship between the radial growth of Picea schrenkiana (P. schrenkiana) and Juniperus jarkendensis (J. jarkendensis) and extreme climate events in the Eastern Pamirs. The findings reveal that: P. schrenkiana is more sensitive to extreme temperatures fluctuations, whereas J. jarkendensis exhibits a stronger response to extreme precipitation. In the context of global warming, P. schrenkiana and J. jarkendensis exhibit a gradual trend of shifting from negative to positive responses to mean temperature (T) and extreme minimum temperature (TNn). Following climatic abruptions, both species display significant positive correlations with T and TNn, reflecting their adaptive adjustments to a warming climate and indicating their ability to leverage more favorable temperature conditions to promote growth. These results suggest that global warming has significantly altered the growth dynamics of these tree species. The interaction of multiple climate factors, rather than a single variable, drives tree growth. Consequently, targeted management and conservation strategies are essential to mitigate the impacts of extreme climate events on different tree species.